Influence of the Shapes of Exterior Accessories and Joints of a Turret on Its Radar Cross-Section

Using shape stealth design technique and the physical optics based simulation calculations, the stealth property of a tank turret and its exterior accessories is analyzed from the calculated radar cross-section (RCS) of the turret and accessories that can be regarded as strong radar electromagnetic-scattering sources. Consequently, the optimum shapes of the base turret, hatches for the gunner and commander, and the commander's sight of a tank are designed with a view to reduce its radar signature under the constraint conditions that these shapes meet the tactic and technical requirements. Influence of the shapes of the exterior accessories and joints of turret on the total RCS of the turret is evaluated. The results indicate that the proposed optimum shapes of the base turret, its exterior accessories and joints can significantly reduce the total RCS of the turret in the domain of main threat radar angles.